Flourishing

“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” - Psalm 1:3

WHY AND WHAT IS FLOURISHING?

We believe God's fullness is meant to flow through us, springing up into flourishing life in all areas. Many of us daily experience, however, is of just surviving and hanging on, even through we try our best to follow Jesus.

Flourishing is a year-long spiritual formation and discipleship cohort where participants learn to cultivate the life of Jesus and become more like Him in deeper ways. Through a combination of weekend retreats and monthly gatherings, we equip you with practical tools to help grow a sustainable and thriving relationship with God.

Through large group teachings, small group interactions, individual spiritual practices and exercises, you will experience what it means to flourish and connect with Jesus and others. We will gather, learn, practice and reflect together to know His way.

By the end of Flourishing you will have a clearer awareness of how to cooperate with God as He invites you to become the kind of person who naturally does the things Jesus would do in any situation.

"Flourishing has been a highlight of the year for myself and family. So grateful for this special group that our church offers! You'll grow closer to the Lord and to one another in community. It's different from anything I've experienced and my walk with Jesus is forever impacted because of Flourishing." -Alexandra Kaval

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL FORMATION?

Spiritual formation is the continuing responsiveness to the experience of God’s grace forming us into the likeness of Jesus Christ, cultivated through an integrated, holistic process in partnership with the Holy Spirit, within the community of faith, for the sake of the world. This is a whole-person approach to discipleship, incorporating all elements of life influenced by the Spirit: our spirit, intellect, emotions, relationships, resources, vocation, and physical health.

WHEN IS FLOURISHING?

Flourishing cohorts meet monthly for 12 months. Monthly Sunday gatherings are scheduled on the third Sunday from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and include a meal.

We will have a one day, Saturday retreat in April and a weekend retreat in the fall whose dates are not yet posted. We will post these ASAP.

WHERE WILL FLOURISHING TAKE PLACE?

Sunday afternoon gatherings will be held at the Rainbow Express Ministry House in Matthews (9915 Talbot Ct, Matthews, NC 28105).

We will have one retreat within a short drive from Charlotte for a one day retreat.

We will have another retreat out of town for a weekend together.

WHAT WILL COHORTS LOOK LIKE?

We will have small groups of 4 which, at times, will be combined with other groups to form groups of 8 or 12, depending on purpose. These cohorts will remain together throughout the year and will be assigned by leadership after much prayer.

Additionally, each person will be given a prayer partner throughout the year that will be a part of the group of 4. We believe that growth happens best through vulnerability and trust that is best served through intentional and small groups.

ARE THERE PREREQUISITES FOR FLOURISHING?

There are no prerequisites for Flourishing.

WHAT DOES FLOURISHING COST?

$150 is the required participant's portion which includes all weekly gatherings and meals.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

Child care will be contingent on overall need and we will know by early January whether it can be offered.

We are trying to provide PDF's of our readings available.